Profits at listed companies on the Stock Exchange of Thailand grow at 42 percent to 446.5 billion baht from a year ago at 313.7 billion baht, according to data released by President Patriya Benchapolchai.

However, total sale for all the listed 501 companies decreased by 14 percent from 2009 to 6.3 trillion baht.

Among them, 291 companies have announced dividends for 2009 at an average 4.0 percent from net profit.

“2009 was the rough year. The ability to squeeze profit amid market crash of entrepreneurs is a clear message of their effective management,” she said.

The market’s most noticeable stocks for 2009 involved PTT Plc (PTT), Siam Cement Group (SCC), PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP), Bangkok Bank Plc (BBL), and Siam Commercial Bank Plc (SCB).